Hotel evacuated after blaze

Scores of guests were evacuated from two hotels last night after a suspected arson attack on a neighbouring building in Yarmouth.People were forced to flee the Red Ruth and Ashworth Hotels after a derelict hotel in between them, in Nelson Road South, burst into flames at about 9pm.

Scores of guests were evacuated from two hotels last night after a suspected arson attack on a neighbouring building in Yarmouth.

People were forced to flee the Red Ruth and Ashworth Hotels after a derelict hotel in between them, in Nelson Road South, burst into flames at about 9pm.

Police cordoned off the area as seven fire crews battled the blaze, which started on the third floor at the rear of the empty hotel and spread to its roof.

Onlookers and anxious guests from the neighbouring hotels watched from the street as firemen used a hydraulic crane and ladder to control the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

The police said that no one was injured during the fire and subsequent evacuation and that up to 40 hotel guests would be put up in the nearby Marina Centre.

It is thought that people will not be able to return to their rooms for another 24 hours,

Phillip Harsley, 54 who was evacuated from the Red Ruth, said: “I heard a fire alarm going off and left the hotel. I could see smoke rising from next door and saw people milling around in the street.

“But no one panicked and everyone was orderly as they were left or were evacuated.”

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious can call police on 0845 456 4567.